Obituary - James R. “Red” Stradley

James R. “Red” Stradley

James R. “Red” Stradley, age 83, a resident of Ft. Scott, KS, died Thursday, September 15th at Ft. Scott Mercy Hospital. He was born on March 18, 1933, in Kansas City, MO, the son of Jesse and Addie Michaels Stradley. He graduated from Fort Scott High School with the class of 1951. Red served 17 years in the military with the Air Force and Navy Air providing air rescue. He married Avis Boyd on December 2, 1966, in Fort Scott. He owned and operated I.T.C.O. farm supply store and worked as a custodian for U234 School District. Red enjoyed shooting, square dancing with the Iza Stompers Club, taking part in Civil War reenactments, and helping with countless Memorial Day and Veterans Day services reciting the Gettysburg Address and Rugged Old Flag. He played violin and harmonica with Fuss and Feathers and the Red Garter Saloon performances for 25 years. He served as Master of the Masonic Lodge and as Worthy Patron for Eastern Star. He was a lifetime member of the V.F.W., serving as Chaplain, and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church.

Survivors include his wife Avis of the home; step-son J.L. Allen and wife Shirley, Pleasanton, KS; step-daughters Avis Darlene Greim and husband Irvin, Gainesville, FL, Joyce Elain Steuer and husband Ron, Dubuque, IA, Dianna June Pauzauskie, Gainesville, FL, Carolyn Joann Callow and husband Rick, Blue Springs, MO, and Linda Sue Morris and husband Mark, Arcadia, KS; nieces Jean Kaye Cook, Bradenton, FL, and Linda Graden and husband Gary, Keller, TX; and nephew, Rick McHenry, MN. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Elsie Jennings and Opal McHenry.

Rev. Dr. Jared Witt will conduct funeral services at 11:30 AM Tuesday, September 20th, at the Cheney Witt Chapel. Burial will follow in the U. S. National Cemetery. Military honors will be provided by the Olson Frary Burkhart Post #1165 V.F. W. The family will receive friends at the Chapel from 10:30 prior to the service. Memorials are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church and may be left in care of the Cheney Witt Chapel, PO Box 347, 201 S. Main, Fort Scott, KS 66701. Words of remembrance may be submitted to the online guestbook at cheneywitt.com.